Caught in the Web: Lakers off-season stories

-- Dillon Tabish writes in The Times about Lakers Coach Phil Jackson's contention that how Denver Coach George Karl battled his throat cancer last season affects the way he's approaching his coaching future because he doesn't want to leave himself vulnerable to having to miss time during the season.

Tweet of the Day: "Cavs coaching search is nearing an end, sources say, with Brian Shaw scheduled to meet in Cleveland this afternoon and tomorrow morning ... No offers have been made to Shaw or Byron Scott, with a decision expected before Thursday." -- samickFanHouse (FanHouse's Sam Amick).

Reader Comment of the Day: The key word is CONSISTENCY which [Lamar] Odom did not have, even when he was healthy. Talking about health, Bynum and Bryant have played with injuries much more serious than Odom's during the playoffs. Granted the Lakers want to pay less luxury tax, they want to dump salaries, but his contribution this Finals was pitiful for a player who is making 8.5 mils and that certainly weighs heavily on the Lakers decision. It is much better to have a player who is not as talented as Odom but more consistent; after all Odom talents mean nothing when he does not show up on court. It seems every playoffs, the team and its fans hold their breath waiting for Odom to contribute. The Lakers need to address that issue this season. How much longer is this unprofessional inconsistency allowed? -- ctran

-- Mark Medina

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Photo: Coach Phil Jackson is surrounded by family and friends after the Lakers won Game 7 of the NBA Finals, 83-79, over the Boston Celtics at Staples Center. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times